Germany, Belgium and Spain are some of the European nations issuing new coins to celebrate places and events of national importance.
Twenty countries in the European Union use the euro as their official currency, and each year some of these nations may issue commemorative coins. Germany, Belgium andSpain have recently launched new designs. Here is the story of their choices.
Germany
Germany has already released two commemorative coins this year. One yields tribute to the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomeraniain northern Germany, and depicts a scene from its Jasmund National Park.
The design is the work of artist Michael Otto and shows the the park's iconic chalk cliffs and beech forests. A walker is also seen strolling along the boardwalk. Each year, Germany pays tribute to one of its 16 federal states with its coins, and the artwork represents a significant building or monument from that area.
This year's second coin has a more national meaning than regionall, as it pays tribute to the 175th anniversary of the Frankfurt Constitution. Also known as the Constitution of St. Paul's Church, this event was the first attempt – in March 1849 – to establish a nationwide democratic constitution for Germany.
The National Assembly in Frankfurt did not obtain the support of Prussia or Austria, so the attempt at a Constitution ended up failing. However, it remains a moment of national importance. The coin, designed by Berlin artist Bodo Broschat, depicts representatives of the constituent National Assembly entering Frankfurt's St. Paul's Church.
Behind you can see the paper on which the Constitution is written, a quill pen, the German national flag and three feminine allegories: Unity, Justice and Freedom.
Spain
Another country that has launched two new coins This year it is Spain. One of them pays tribute to National Police Corps, which this year turns 200 years old. It bears the emblem of the organization.
The Director General of the Spanish Police, Francisco Pardo, stated: “This coin is a unique piece that represents the unwavering commitment of the National Police to the security of Spain.”
This year's other design yields tribute to Seville, a city in southern Spain that is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these places, the emblematic Patio de Doncellas, appears on the coin.
Belgium
Belgium presented the design of its new currency for this year after the meeting of Eurogroup Economy and Finance Ministers held in January. The 2 euro commemorative piece is a celebration of the Council of the EU and pays tribute to the 25 years of cooperation within the Economic and Monetary Union.
In the center of the coin we can see 27 swallows: one bird for each EU Member State. Created by artist Iris Bruijns, the choice of swallows is significant, as these birds are known to move together behind a leader.
